Holland City Councilman Wayne Klomparens was the only member of council to question a proposed ordinance that would ticket property owners who don’t cover graffiti on their property within five days.

The first reading of the proposed ordinance amendment from the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Committee was approved Wednesday. It would declare graffiti a nuisance. Klomparens was the only no vote. A public hearing and final vote will take place at 7 p.m. April 2 at city hall.

The proposed ordinance, though it will hold the property owner responsible for the graffiti, is meant to make sure the property is not continually tagged, especially by gangs. Once a report about the graffiti is made, the property owner will be contacted by the city and given five days to respond with a plan to remove it. They will face a nominal ticket if it’s not removed and possibly an invoice from the city for the work if a crew is sent out.

After driving through the city for more than hour, Klomparens said he found only one garage, in an alley, with graffiti on it.

“It appears that what we’re doing is working pretty well,” he said, adding that enlisting the help of nonprofits to help property owners could be an option.

A person could end up paying a lot of money, and some people can’t afford it, Klomparens said.

“They become a victim again,” he said. “I’m concerned about that.”

Councilman Myron Trethewey disagreed saying this is a health, safety and welfare issue for the city, and they cannot allow it to fester, especially if the graffiti is gang related.

“It’s graffiti, it’s bad and it’s only going to foster more,” Trethewey said. “I don’t care if it’s on the back of a telephone pole and only three people are going to see it.”

Graffiti from a gang is like marking territory, he said. If one gang tags a property, another could come in and graffiti over it. That could go on and on, which is why it must be removed quickly. If a property owner needs help, the city will help, Trethewey said.

When the notice is sent from the city, a list of suggestions is included. If the property owner needs help, they will be put in touch with a nonprofit neighborhood organization that could help, said Sue Harder, the city’s Ourstreet coordinator.

The city of Zeeland has passed an ordinance on an emergency basis to deal with graffiti as well. There a person could be fined $100, $200 and $500 for subsequent offenses plus court costs. The ticket in Holland would be a $25 civil infraction ticket, Harder said. If the property owner is invoiced, in most cases only paint is needed to cover the graffiti, she said.